Cloud data protection services supplier eFolder and cloud software solutions provider Mezeo are partnering to help managed services providers (MSPs) with cloud file sync services for SMB customers. How can MSPs generate revenue from this new combined solution? We'll reveal the details.

eFolder said that the new combined service, eFolder Cloud File Sync, was built specifically for deployment by the IT channel, unlike consumer-driven cloud storage solutions.

The solution includes the following MSP-focused features: multi-tenant, management and monitoring; professional services automation (PSA) integration; a brandable web portal; 200 GB included cloud storage per user; and wholesale per-user, per-month service fee.

eFolder Marketing VP Ted Hulsy told MSPmentor in a phone interview that partners will be able to generate recurring revenue with 50 to 70 percent gross margins.

"Partners can source this service from eFolder for $10 down to $7 per-user, per-per month, and they'll be able to turn around and charge customers $20 to $25 per-user, per month for a fully managed business-class cloud file sync solution," he said.

"MezeoFile brings us powerful file sync and collaboration software that has already been proven in the enterprise, and that meshes perfectly with the scale and reliability of the eFolder Storage Cloud," said eFolder CEO Kevin Hoffman in his prepared remarks. "For over eight years, eFolder has been delivering channel-ready service offerings by combining best of breed software tools with the eFolder Storage Cloud."

Hulsy also told MSPmentor that there are other business-class cloud file synx solutions out there, including Box and Egnyte, but their marketing strategy isn't focused on the channel, holding it off as an "afterthought."

He added that eFolder is 100 percent focused on the channel.

The eFolder Cloud File Sync service will be generally available to eFolder partners in July of 2013. It will be sold on a per-user, per-month basis.